My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is currently preparing a new National Maternity Strategy, which will provide the strategic direction for the optimal development of safe and high quality maternity services. The commitment to develop a maternity strategy arises from my acceptance on 9 October last of the recommendations of the HIQA Report into the death of Savita Halappanavar. That report recommended that a strategy be developed to implement standard, consistent models for the delivery of a national maternity service that reflects best available evidence, to ensure that all pregnant women have appropriate and informed choices, and access to the right level of care and support.
I have not as yet established a Group to oversee the development of the strategy but work on the strategy is ongoing in my Department and the HSE. A desk based review of national and international literature on best practice in the organisation and delivery of maternity services is underway, as is a review and evaluation of services currently provided. This review will give us the opportunity to take stock of the services that are provided to women and their babies in our 19 maternity hospitals, and identify how we can further improve the quality and safety of the care we provide.
I can confirm that the Strategy has been discussed at meetings between my Department and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; indeed I met with the Institute some time ago and the Strategy was one of the items discussed. I can also confirm that a consultation process will be undertaken at an appropriate time, with a view to finalising the Strategy by the end of this year.
